Collection: Local Property & Township Maps

Beginning in the early 1870s, atlases of properties in various local areas began to be published by such firms as Smith, Bromley, Hopkins and Mueller, all out of Philadelphia.  These atlases contained accurate maps of small areas showing all streets, properties, parks, and other topographical and social features. These were working maps for the realtors, insurance writers and town planners tracking the growth and changes in the cities and suburbs of late nineteenth century urban America.  Structural materials are indicated by colors: gray-brown for stone masonry, pink for brick, yellow for wood frame.  These maps, though made for utilitarian purposes, have their own wonderful aesthetic appeal, with precise renderings and lovely hand coloring.  They are both attractive and historically fascinating, making them wonderful artifacts from our past.

We have an extensive collection of neighborhood maps of the city of Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.

Please call or email for more information.